Reading with F.F. Bosworth

A Partial List of His Favorite Books and the People He Cited in His Sermons

By Roscoe Barnes III
Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer
Copyright (c) 2018

#FFBosworth
#BosworthMatters

Charles Finney was one of F.F. Bosworth's favorite authors.

The story of F.F. Bosworth is not complete without a knowledge of the books he read and an understanding of the people he admired. As Ralph Waldo Emerson so aptly stated, “A man is known by the books he reads, by the company he keeps (and) by the praise he gives.”

To fully appreciate Bosworth and his contributions to church history, one must read what he read, or at the least, have some knowledge of the authors he cited. Such knowledge, I believe, will help us to see the source of his inspiration and how some of his ideas were formed. This knowledge will also give insight into his theology and how it was shaped by his contemporaries, as well as by those who came before him.

With the above thoughts in mind, I want to share a list of what I believe to be Bosworth’s favorite books and the authors he most frequently cited in his sermons and magazine. My use of the term “favorite” is based on those titles that he either praised, recommended, or referenced most often. Most of the titles are mentioned in his classic,Christ the Healer, and in his biography, Joybringer Bosworth. Some also appeared in his magazine, Exploits of Faith.

Bosworth's Favorite Books and Authors

Bainbridge, Harriette S. Life for Soul and Body. New York: Christian Alliance Publishing Company, 1906.

Bounds, E.M. Purpose in Prayer. New York: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1920.

Chappell, F.L. The Names of the Deity. Dayton, OH: John J. Scruby, n.d.

Decker, Frances J. A Vision of the Cross. Dayton, Ohio: John J. Scruby, 1925. 

Deem, Fred. The modern Fundamentalists, or Why Not Trust God for healing? Dayton, OH: John J. Scruby, n.d.

Edwards, Jonathan. Narrative of Many Surprising Conversions in Northampton and Vicinity, Written in 1736, Together with Some Thoughts on the Revival in New England Written in 1740. Worcester, MA: Moses W. Grant, 1832.

Finney, Charles. Finney's Lectures on Revival. Chicago, IL: Fleming H. Revell Co., n.d.

------. Sermons on the Way of Salvation. Oberlin, OH: Edward J. Goodrich, 1891.

Gordon, A.J. The Ministry of Healing: Miracles of Cure in All Ages. New York: The Christian Alliance Publishing Co., 1882.

Kenyon, E.W. The Father and His Family. Fullerton, CA: Kenyon's Gospel Publishing Society, 1937.

------. In His Presence. Seattle, WA: E. W. Kenyon, 1944.

------. Jesus the Healer. Seattle, WA: E.W. Kenyon, 1940.

------. Kenyon's Living Poems. Seattle, WA: E.W. Kenyon, 1935.

------. The New Kind of Love. Seattle, WA: E.W. Kenyon, 1942.

------. Two Kinds of Faith. Seattle, WA: E. W. Kenyon, 1942.

------. Two Kinds of Life. Seattle, WA: E. W. Kenyon, 1943.

------. Two Kinds of Righteousness. Seattle, WA: Kenyon's Church of the Air, 1942.

------. The Wonderful Name of Jesus. Seattle, WA: Kenyon's Gospel Publishing Society, 1927.

McCrossan, T.J. The Bible: Its Christ and Modernism. New York: Christian Alliance Publishing, 1925.

------. Bodily Healing and The Atonement. Youngstown, OH: Clement Humbard, 1930.

Muller, George. The Autobiography of George Muller. London: J. Nisbet & Co., 1905.

------. Soul Nourishment First. 1841

Murray, Andrew. Divine Healing: A Series of Addresses. New York: Christian Alliance Publishing Co., 1900.

Nuzum, Mrs. C. (Cornelia). Life of Faith. Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, 1928.

Osborn, T.L. Healing the Sick and Casting Out Devils. Tulsa, OK: The Voice of Faith Ministry, 1955.

Pierson, Arthur T. Forward Movements of the Last Half Century. New York: Funk & Wagnalls, 1905.

Riggle, Herbert McClellan. The Sabbath and the Lord's Day. Anderson, IN: Gospel Trumpet Company, 1928.

Schneppmueller, Vivian Bosworth. A Testimony of Salvation and Healing: A Biography of C&MA Evangelist H. Karl Schneppmueller. St. Paul, MN: Vivian Bosworth Schneppmueller, n.d.

Scruby, John James. Gems of Truth on Divine Healing. Dayton, OH : John J. Scruby, 1904.

Simpson, A.B. The Gospel of Healing. Harrisburg, PA: Christian Publications, 1915.

Stevens, W.C. Jesus Our Healer. Los Angeles, CA: Torrey Bible Institute, n.d..

Torrey, R.A. Divine Healing: Does God Perform Miracles Today? New York: Fleming H. Revell, 1924.

Wesley, John. Works of Wesley. London: Wesleyan Methodist Book Room, 1872.

Woodworth-Etter, Maria B. Acts of the Holy Ghost, or The life, work, and experience of Mrs. M. B. Woodworth-Etter, Written by Herself. Dallas, TX: John F. Worley Printing Co., 1912.

Bible Translations

Delitzsch, Franz. Delitzsch's Hebrew New Testament. Leipzig, Ackermann: The British and Foreign Bible Society, 1877.

Leeser, Isaac. The Leeser Bible/Leeser's Jewish Bible. Philadelphia, PA: Isaac Leeser, 1853.

Moffatt, James. Moffatt, New Translation/The Holy Bible Containing the Old and New Testaments, a New Translation. Chicago, IL: The University of Chicago Press, 1922.

Rotherham, Joseph Bryant. Rotherham's Emphasized Bible. London: H.R. Allenson, 1897-1902.

Scofield, C.I. Scofield Reference Bible (KJV). New York: Oxford University Press, 1917.

Weymouth, Richard Francis. Weymouth New Testament/The Modern Speech New Testament. New York: Baker & Taylor Company, 1903.

Young, Robert. Young's Literal Translation of the Holy Bible. Edinburgh: George Adam Young & Co., 1863.

Other Writers

There were a number of authors that did not make the above list because it could not be determined which of their books were actually read by Bosworth. Even so, we can say with some certainty, based on his relationship with the authors, that he probably read their books. For example, John Alexander Dowie was a prolific writer. Yet, Bosworth said little about him (probably due to the controversies of Dowie and Zion City). But since Bosworth lived in Zion City and actually worked for him, one can safely assume that Bosworth was intimately familiar with his writings. It's also worth noting that Bosworth's biographer suggested he learned of Dowie by reading The Leaves of Healing.

Given Bosworth's relationship with Moody Bible Institute and the editors of the Moody magazine, it is likely that he read D.L. Moody. Billy Sunday was another evangelist he seemed to admire. Bosworth once indicated his respect for Sunday in letter published as a news item.

Another author that could be listed here is Oswald J. Smith, whose articles appeared in Bosworth's Exploits of Faith magazine. 

Bosworth's magazine also featured the writings of his wife, Florence, and his brother, B.B. Bosworth. Other writers included Evangelist A.G. Jeffries, Harry Hodge, C.C. Fitch, Rev. William T. MacArthur, Rev. Herbert Dyke,  Rev. P. Gavin Duffy, Bishop Charles H. Brent, James Moore Hickson, Carrie Judd Montgomery, Rev. J. P. Roberts, Mary Lowe Dickinson, Rev. W. J. Bennett, Ethel E. Tulloch, E. West, Charles H. Usher, John Harris, Fannie J. Rowe, J. Albert Libby and Dr. Gerald B. Winrod.

Bosworth's magazine featured many books that were distributed by John J. Scruby. However, the names of the authors were not always included.

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Note: My book, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer, can be purchased here with a 25% discount. Use the discount code: bosworth25.

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Want to know more

about F.F. Bosworth?

Follow the Bosworth Matters blog!

See it here:

ffbosworth.strikingly.com

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For more information:
Visit the F.F. Bosworth page here. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter. #ChristTheHealer

Todd Bentley's Mention of F.F. Bosworth

Inspiring Quote Shared in Facebook Post

By Roscoe Barnes III
Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer
Copyright (c) 2018

#FFBosworth
#ToddBentley

Todd Bentley

Evangelist Todd Bentley's mention of F.F. Bosworth on Facebook is another example of the enduring legacy of Bosworth and the perennial interest in his book, Christ the Healer. In a post dated March 23, 2015, Bentley shared the following (typos corrected):

F.F. Bosworth says in his book, "CHRIST THE HEALER," "Until the person seeking healing is sure from God's Word that it is God's will to heal him, he is trying to reap a harvest where there is no seed planted." We must plant the seed of God's word and promise concerning healing in our hearts to reap a mighty healing. (I Peter 1:23) says, "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."

The incorruptible Word is the seed that goes into the heart of man. God's Word cannot be corrupted. It cannot be spoiled by any power.

-- Todd Bentley

Since its initial publication in 1924, Bosworth's book has remained a popular text among Pentecostals, students, missionaries, Word of Faith advocates, and healing revivalists. Historians agree that it became the textbook -- the essential go-to guide -- for many evangelists in the post-World War II healing revival. 

Bentley's use of the book shows how it continues to have an impact on new generations. Bosworth died in 1958 after spending the last 10 years of his life working as a missionary evangelist and serving as a mentor to the preachers of The Voice of Healing. His book continues to inspire people. 

Although hundreds of books have been written on divine healing, Bosworth's book is a rare title that has lived beyond the 1920s and 1950s and reached over into the 21st century. It has crossed denominational lines, withstood criticism, undergone revisions, and found an entirely new audience. In addition to having been shared via audio recordings, it has become even more accessible through today's digital technology. 

My friend, Louie Dee, recognized Bosworth's popularity, and he explained it as follows: "From Alexander Dowie's healing rooms to Azusa Street to the healing revival of the 1950s ... God gave Bosworth the blueprint for divine healing. He was the Einstein of the healing ministry."

Some might say Bosworth's book is virtually ubiquitous. Its popularity can be seen in the unending number of quotes (from the book) that is shared regularly on social media platforms. It seems that of all the books available on the topic, Christ the Healer is arguably one of the most quoted books around on God's healing power.

Todd Bentley's post on Facebook

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Note: My book, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer, can be purchased here with a 25% discount. Use the discount code: bosworth25.

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Want to know more

about F.F. Bosworth?

Follow the Bosworth Matters blog!

See it here:

ffbosworth.strikingly.com

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For more information:
Visit the F.F. Bosworth page here. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter. #ChristTheHealer #BosworthMatters #BosworthMention

John W. Henry named 'Volunteer of the Year' at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility

By Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D.
Chaplain, Wilkinson County Correctional Facility
Copyright (c) 2018

#PrisonMinistry

Chaplain John W. Henry

WOODVILLE, Miss. -- The Rev. John W. Henry of Lucedale was recently named Volunteer of the Year at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF) in Woodville. He received the honor at the 2018 Volunteer Appreciation Banquet held at the facility on December 13.

Warden Jody Bradley and Deputy Warden of Programs Tonya Toomey presented Henry with a plaque in appreciation for his “outstanding service, dedication, and invaluable contribution to the Religious Programs at WCCF.” They also presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation.

Chaplain Roscoe Barnes III said Henry has served as a volunteer chaplain for nearly five years at WCCF. In addition to leading Christian programs, he has assisted with special events and the recruitment of other volunteers, according to Barnes.

“Chaplain Henry truly loves the Lord and he is sincerely passionate about prison ministry,” Barnes noted. “He is exceptional in his love for those who are incarcerated and he genuinely cares about their spiritual, mental and physical well-being. We are blessed because of his commitment and unwavering service.”

Henry is an ordained Baptist minister and retired Director of Missions of the George and Greene Baptist Association in Mississippi. He currently serves with the Mississippi Baptist Convention as a Criminal Justice Consultant.

Henry attended the banquet with his wife, Melinda.

Other volunteers honored at the banquet included Volunteer Chaplain Rudy Rivera, who leads Spanish-speaking services and Christian worship services; Rev. Dorothy Singleton, who leads Saturday Christian worship services; Thomas McNeely Jr. and Nell Stuard, who lead the Higher Learning Book Club; and Charles Stroupe, Lewis Jurey and James Newman, who distribute Bibles as members of the Gideons International. 

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ROSCOE BARNES III, Ph.D., is a writer, chaplain, historian, and former newspaper reporter. He is the author of more than a dozen books and Gospel tracts. For more information about his work and history, see his Personal Profile here or visit his website: http://www.roscoebarnes.net. Connect with him on Twitter (@roscoebarnes3) or by email: roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com.

The Bluff City Post: Anne Moody Gets Mention in Calendar for Democratic Members of the U.S. House

The Anne Moody History Project Provided Assistance

#AnneMoody

This story of Anne Moody's mention in the 2018 calendar created for the U.S. Democratic House appeared at the top of Page 2 in the Dec. 14 - 28, 2018 issue of The Bluff City Post. The paper, a bi-weekly, is based in Natchez, Miss. It is published by William H. Terrell. Roscoe Barnes III, chairman of the Anne Moody History Project (AMHP), said members of AMHP are happy about the recognition given to Moody.

To learn more about Anne Moody, see her research page here. #ComingOfAgeinMississippi

F.F. Bosworth Mentioned in Gerald W. King's Book, Disfellowshiped: Pentecostal Responses to Fundamentalism in the United States, 1906-1943

Oswald J. Smith's Defense of His Healing Ministry is Noted

By Roscoe Barnes III
Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer
Copyright (c) 2018

#FFBosworth
#BosworthMatters
#BosworthMention

In Gerald W. King's book, Disfellowshiped: Pentecostal Responses to Fundamentalism in the United States, 1906-1943 (Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2011), F.F. Bosworth is one of several Pentecostal pioneers who goes to battle on theological issues with some of the leading Fundamentalists of his day.

Despite the disagreements that certain critics had with his Pentecostal background, including his teachings on divine healing, some of them accepted his healing reports as genuine. Oswald J. Smith, on one occasion, went so far as to defend Bosworth, according to King. He also notes Harry A. Stemme testified to being healed while reading Bosworth's book, Christ the Healer.

Information on King's book is available here.

King holds a Ph.D. from the University of Birmingham (UK). His book offers a critical look at the roots of Pentecostalism and how it grew in relationship to Fundamentalism. King describes the heated tension between the well-known figures who spoke in tongues and the fundamenalists who forcefully opposed the Pentecostal practice. Despite their disagreement, however, King suggests the "two movements held far more in common than in contrast."

Bosworth found himself in a number of theological skirmishes on the issues of evidential tongues, a position he opposed, and divine healing, which he fiercely advocated. Through his writings (in books and magazines) and public forums, Bosworth defended the doctrine of divine healing with passion and unwavering conviction. Not one to flee a fight, he clashed with Pentecostals and Fundamentalists alike. His debates with both camps are well documented.

Bosworth is mentioned in several places in King's book. One place in particular made me think of the healing of the crippled man at the temple gate called Beautiful in Acts 3 and the reaction of the critics in Acts 4:16:

"What shall we do to these men? Because indeed a notable miracle has been done through them, as can be plainly seen by all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we can't deny it." -- World English Bible

In Bosworth's case, King recounts instances in which people defended him because of the divine healings that could not be denied. Some of the church leaders, who were critical of Pentecostalism, were so convinced of the reported healings in Bosworth's ministry that they embraced him, even though he spoke in tongues. It is possible, writes King, that some of his supporters did not know about his practice of speaking in tongues.

Here's what King wrote about Oswald J. Smith's endorsement of Bosworth during the evangelist's 1921 revival meetings in Canada:

Bosworth initiated a campaign in Toronto's Massey Hall in 1921. The meetings were hosted by Oswald Smith, who had recently switched alliances from the Presbyterians to the CMA. Smith suffered from occasional eye trouble himself, which were exasperated by intense headaches. Blurry vision once hindered him from noticing Bosworth's presence when Bosworth slipped into his church. As a test of faith, Smith stopped wearing his glasses. His eyesight gradually improved while the headaches dissipated. Smith defended Bosworth by confirming the healing of three other participants in the meetings. Though approving of Bosworth's ministry, he was still critical of pentecostalism.

Like Smith, who was highly regarded in his day, Harry A. Stemme also believed in the healing ministry of Bosworth. In fact, he had a personal testimony that supported Bosworth's claim that "many have been healed through their own faith which came to them while reading ... this book (Christ the Healer)." King noted Stemme's experience as follows:

Ever thirsty for spiritual guidance, (Stemme) haunted F.F. Bosworth's campaign in Joliet, where an old-time revival had broken out. The meetings lasted from August 1930 to May 1931. Stemme had received healing once while at Wheaton and now obtained it again while poring over Christ the Healer, adding, "I thank God for Brother Bosworth ... Though I do not agree with all this man of God teaches." However, it was not enough to persuade him to join the pentecostals, and he even seemed unaware like Oswald Smith that Bosworth spoke in tongues.

Closing thoughts

King seems certain in his belief that neither Smith nor Stemme knew that Bosworth spoke in tongues. He suggests there is no evidence that shows either of them had any knowledge of this part of Bosworth's life. 

King's position, though well presented, leaves me wondering why they did not know. After all, Bosworth was a famous evangelist with a long list of publications to his credit, including the booklet, Do All Speak with Tongues?, which was published by a number of sources, including The Christian Alliance Publishing Company.

In 1921 his authorized biography, Joybringer Bosworth, was published with a chapter featuring Bosworth's message (same as booklet) on tongues and his own Pentecostal experience. A second edition of the book appeared in 1927. Bosworth promoted the biography in his magazine, Exploits of Faith. As I write this, I'm looking at a full-page advertisement for the second edition of the biography in the February 1930 issue of the magazine.

Smith and Stemme, I'm sure, were both well-read men. They were astute leaders who were known for their knowledge and sound judgment, among other things. When I consider the breadth and strength of their intellectual capital, it is simply hard for me to think they were both uninformed about an evangelist they respected. Given the history and wide circulation of Bosworth's literature, it seems highly unlikely that neither of them knew about Bosworth's Pentecostal experience and his position on tongues.

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Note: My book, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer, can be purchased here with a 25% discount. Use the discount code: bosworth25.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Want to know more

about F.F. Bosworth?

Follow the Bosworth Matters blog!

See it here:

ffbosworth.strikingly.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information:
Visit the F.F. Bosworth page here. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter. #ChristTheHealer

Dr. Francoise N. Hamlin to Present New Research on Anne Moody

She will talk about decisions and ethical issues related to Moody's papers

By Roscoe Barnes III
Chairman, Anne Moody History Project
Copyright (c) 2018

#AnneMoody

Dr. Francoise N. Hamlin

Dr. Francoise N. Hamlin will discuss her latest research on Anne Moody at an April 18, 2019 seminar held by the Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS). Hamlin will talk about "Historians and Ethics: The Case of Anne Moody." For more information, see the calendar of events here. 

The MHS webpage provides the following description of Hamlin's paper:

"In the process of conducting research for her book project, Hamlin encountered an ethical conundrum regarding the papers of Anne Moody, author of the iconic autobiography, Coming of Age in Mississippi. This paper explores this case in depth and probes how historians should record the lives of those who might not have wanted to be found."

Hamlin is associate professor of History and Africana Studies at Brown University. She earned her Ph.D. in African American Studies and American Studies at Yale University. Hamlin is the author of Crossroads at Clarksdale: The Black Freedom Struggle in the Mississippi Delta After World War II (University of North Carolina Press, 2012) and co-editor of These Truly Are The Brave: An Anthology of African American Writings on War and Citizenship (University Press of Florida, 2015).

In June 2018, Hamlin presented a talk on Moody at the 11th Triennial Conference of the Southern Association for Women Historians (SAWH) at The University of Alabama campus. Her presentation was titled, “Fifty Years Since Coming of Age in Mississippi: Finding Anne Moody.” It was described as  "a poignant reminder of the sometimes-traumatic effects the fight for Civil Rights left on its activists, particularly black women."

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Want to know more

about Anne Moody?

Visit here to see the timeline of

important events in her life history!

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For more information:
See the Anne Moody page here.
Questions about the Anne Moody History Project may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III Ph.D. via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com For updates on Anne Moody history and the on-going work of this community service project, simply follow this blog or follow AMHP on Twitter (@AnneMoodyHP). #ComingOfAgeinMississippi 

The Woodville Republican: Anne Moody Book Gets Mention in U.S. House Calendar

Information Submitted by Anne Moody History Project

#AnneMoody

The story of Anne Moody's mention in the 2018 calendar created for the U.S. Democratic House appeared at the top of Page 5 in the Dec. 20, 2018 issue of The Woodville Republican. The paper is a weekly that covers Wilkinson County in southwest Mississippi. It is published by Andy Lewis. 

To learn more about Anne Moody, see her research page here. #ComingOfAgeinMississippi

On This Day (December 18): William Branham Has Car Crash that Leads to His Death

By Roscoe Barnes III
Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer
Copyright (c) 2018

#FFBosworth
#WilliamBranham
#OnThisDay

William Branham
(1909 - 1965)

On December 18, 1965, Evangelist William Branham suffered severe injuries in a car crash while driving a 1964 Ford station wagon in West Texas. The crash occurred when a drunk driver reportedly collided head-on with Branham's vehicle. 

 According to some sources, like David E. Harrell Jr. and Freda Lindsay, he was headed to Tucson, Ariz.. But Pearry Green, his biographer, said he had left Tucson and was driving to Jeffersonville, Ind., for Christmas. 

Branham died on December 24, 1965. He was 56.

Branham was the pacesetter and acknowledged leader of the Post-WWII healing revival. He was a close friend of F.F. Bosworth, author of Christ the Healer. Branham also headed the famous Voice of Healing magazine and  the loose fellowship of healing revivalists of the same name. Bosworth served as Branham's mentor. He taught and prayed for the sick in many crusades with Branham.

Freda Lindsay, wife of Gordon Lindsay, suggested Branham's death was prophesied by Kenneth E. Hagin. In her book, My Diary Secrets, she wrote:

One day Kenneth Hagin came into our offices. He handed Gordon a piece of paper on which was written a prophecy he said the Lord had given him. The prophecy stated that the leader of the deliverance movement was soon to be taken in death because he was getting into error and the Lord was having to remove him from the scene for that reason. Gordon took the prophecy and placed it in his desk.

After Brother Hagin left I asked, "What do you think about this? Is this Branham?"

Gordon answered gravely, "Yes, it is Branham. He is getting into error. He thinks he is Elijah. He thinks he is the messenger of the covenant. The sad thing is that unscrupulous men around him are putting words into his mouth, and due to his limited background he is taking them up."

Branham died two years later on Christmas Eve of 1965.

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Note: My book, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer, can be purchased here with a 25% discount. Use the discount code: bosworth25.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Want to know more

about F.F. Bosworth?

Follow the Bosworth Matters blog!

See it here:

ffbosworth.strikingly.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information:
Visit the F.F. Bosworth page here. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter. #ChristTheHealer

Did Charles S. Price Have the Most Direct Influence on the Post-WWII Healing Revivalists?

A Review of Claim Made by David E. Harrell Jr. in All Things Are Possible

By Roscoe Barnes III
Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer
Copyright (c) 2018

#FFBosworth
#BosworthMatters

Dr. Charles S. Price
(1887-1947)

In his groundbreaking book, All Things Are Possible: The Healing & Charismatic Revivals in Modern America (Indiana University Press, 1975), David E. Harrell Jr. made a claim about Charles S. Price that left me scratching my head. On page 17, he wrote: "The man who probably influenced the healing revivalists of the postwar period most directly was Dr. Charles S. Price."

I have read Harrell's section on Price and cannot determine his reason or basis for making the claim. Perhaps he mentioned it somewhere, and I simply missed it. 

Price was one of several preachers who gained fame as a healing evangelist in the 1920s and 1930s. His success is without question and is widely known, but the extent of his impact, in my opinion, is hard to determine. His ministry was certainly extraordinary, but when I read about the evangelists with The Voice of Healing, I don't see Price being mentioned or cited as often as some of the others from his generation, like F.F. Bosworth, E.W. Kenyon and Smith Wigglesworth.

It seems to me that it would be more accurate to say Bosworth or Kenyon had the greatest impact on the revivalists in question. Of course, my first choice, in terms of direct influence, would be Bosworth, and here's why:

First, Bosworth was physically present in the revival meetings of William Branham and Oral Roberts, the two leaders of the Post-WWII healing movement. Price died in March 1947, but for 10 years following his death, Bosworth served as a mentor and advisor to scores of young evangelists, including T.L. Osborn. According to Osborn, his famous ministry of "healing en masse" was inspired by advice he received from Bosworth.

Second, Bosworth's book, Christ the Healer, which has remained in print since 1924, was the textbook used by many evangelists in the 1940s and 1950s. His book is frequently cited today by students, pastors, and other ministers of the gospel. Rhema Bible Training Center, the school founded by Kenneth E. Hagin, has been using the book as a required text for several decades. Like Osborn, Hagin was one of many evangelists who knew Bosworth through The Voice of Healing.

Harrell knew of Bosworth's achievements, and he wrote about them in All Things Are Possible, which makes his claim about Price all the more puzzling. To be honest, however, this issue isn't really a big deal, and in the greater scheme of things, it probably doesn't matter who influenced the postwar revivalists "most directly." But I'm just curious, and I wonder what led to Harrell's position on the matter.

Note: My book, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer, can be purchased here with a 25% discount. Use the discount code: bosworth25.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Want to know more

about F.F. Bosworth?

Follow the Bosworth Matters blog!

See it here:

ffbosworth.strikingly.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information:
Visit the F.F. Bosworth page here. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter. #ChristTheHealer 

Volunteers as Good Samaritans

A Talk Given at the 2018 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018, at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility, Woodville, Miss.

By Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D.

Chaplain, Wilkinson County Correctional Facility

Copyright (c) 2018

#GoodSamaritan

We all know of people who were called Good Samaritans because of the good deeds they have done. You read about them every day in the news or on social media. For some, the title is undoubtedly deserving. But for others, there’s a big question mark.

Today I want to talk about a few people here at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF) who actually deserve to be called Good Samaritans.  I’m speaking, of course, of our volunteers. And whether you know this or not, they have quite a few things in common with the man in our parable. Specifically, there are three important points that I want to address.

First, the Samaritan saw a need that was being ignored by others.

When he saw this man in trouble, he acted with a sense of urgency. Moved with compassion, he went to the man – and not away from him. When he got up close and personal, he could see his pain. Sometimes, that’s what it takes: We have to get up close and personal in order to make a difference. SOME THINGS CANNOT BE DONE AT A DISTANCE.

That is quite similar to what you have done. Thousands of people drive past this facility each year, but only a few have stopped to try and make a difference. Like the Samaritan, you saw a need that was being ignored by others. You knew that behind these walls were men in trouble. You knew that somebody had fallen. Somebody was in need and somebody was standing in need of prayer.

Second, the Samaritan provided help with no interest in being paid for his efforts.

For him, it wasn’t about the money; it was about the healing. It wasn’t about prestige; it was about helping someone who needed it the most.

When an inmate was asked what he thought about volunteers, he had some interesting things to say. He said, "The staff may mean well, but they’re paid to be here. The chaplain may do a good job, but he also picks up a pay check. But the volunteers, they come on their own and expect nothing in return. Now that says something.”

I have to agree.

Over the last few years, you have made sacrifices, traveled long distances, and spent money out of your own pockets to help the offenders and staff here at WCCF. We can’t thank you enough.

You have been tolerant of the moody and unpredictable behavior of the offenders; you have been patient with our lockdown status and our last-minute changes in schedules. You have donated food, literature, Bibles, CDs, and other resources without charging us a dime. You’ve used your own money to buy gas and stay in hotels just so you can minister to our offenders.

Just like the Samaritan, you have provided help with no interest in being paid for your efforts. And for that we are grateful.

Third, the Samaritan made provisions for the man’s future.

He took the man to a good place where he could recover and return to his home. He made it possible for the man to “re-enter,” if you would, his society. He made it possible for him to return healthy and strong.

You, our volunteers, have done the same through your services. Through book club meetings and religious programs, you have cared for our offenders and made it possible for them to grow and re-enter society. You have made it possible for them to go home in better shape than they were when they left their respective communities.

And so today, we honor you. We acknowledge your hard work and your contributions as our Good Samaritans. We recognize you for your diligence and your vision. We commend you for your commitment and for your patience.

We thank you for being who you are and for doing what you do. God bless you.

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ROSCOE BARNES III, Ph.D., is a writer, chaplain, historian, and former newspaper reporter. He is the author of more than a dozen books and Gospel tracts. For more information about his work and history, see his Personal Profile here or visit his website: http://www.roscoebarnes.net. Connect with him on Twitter (@roscoebarnes3) or by email: roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com.

Meeting Friends and Fellow Researchers of Anne Moody History

Author and Filmmaker Visit Southwest Mississippi

#AnneMoody
#ComingOfAgeinMississippi

Photo by Roscoe Barnes III

A year ago this month, members of the Anne Moody History Project had the pleasure of meeting civil rights author Mike O'Brien & filmmaker Taryn Blake in Anne Moody's hometown of Centreville in southwest Mississippi. It was truly an honor. On September 15, 2017, the town of Centreville issued a proclamation for Anne Moody Day. The town also honored the civil rights pioneer by renaming Fort Street, "Anne Moody Street." O'Brien and Blake toured Centreville in December 2017 following their visit at the Civil Rights Museum in Jackson, Miss.

The story about their visit is available here. To learn more about Anne Moody, see her research page here.

How The Voice of Healing Got Its Name

By Roscoe Barnes III
Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer
Copyright (c) 2018

#FFBosworth
#BosworthMatters

Ever wonder how William Branham and Gordon Lindsay came up with the name, "The Voice of Healing," for their magazine?

Branham explained the origin of the name in the March 1950 issue of the publication. He said the name was inspired by the experience of Samuel, who heard the voice of God, and by John the Baptist, who became the voice for God. Branham said that his own experience in hearing God's voice also contributed to the concept for the magazine's title. Here in his own words is his account of how it all started:

How The Voice of Healing

 Received Its Name

I have been requested to tell how I happened to choose the name THE VOICE OF HEALING, by which our magazine is called. I remember when Brother Lindsay asked me to see if I could think of a suitable name. Then I began to think of the prophet Samuel when he was a little boy. He heard a voice -- a voice coming to him in the night. I thought then of John the Baptist. John was a voice crying in the wilderness, and it was after his ministry that Christ came. Then as I was thinking it seemed to me that after the present moving of God's gifts, to get the church ready for the Coming of the Lord, Christ will come again.

Then I thought of the time when God spoke to me by a voice, saying "Take a gift of healing to the people of the world." I thought that if my voice was used of God to carry this gift, then the magazine carrying my voice must be called THE VOICE OF HEALING.

-- William Branham

The Voice of Healing was touted by its editors as "The Magazine Used in America's Great Healing Campaigns." It was, according to David E. Harrell, "the firebrand in the night spreading the word of revival throughout the whole world." It was indeed the most important media outlet that covered the post-World War II healing revival in the United States and other countries.

The magazine, which was born in April 1948, began as the official organ of Branham's evangelistic ministry. It was edited by Lindsay who shared some of the work with others.

The debut issue featured F.F. Bosworth on the front page with the headline, "Rev. and Mrs. F.F. Bosworth Work With Branham Party." Bosworth's portrait, situated just below the nameplate, was the only photo/image that appeared on the page.

For Lindsay, who was a member of the Assemblies of God, it was important for the magazine to be "inter-evangelical." As such, it would avoid controversial doctrines and teachings that divide, and be appealing to a wider audience. According to Lindsay, its mission "was to proclaim the message of the Great Commission, the sounding of God's last call to the unsaved, the healing of God's people, to the end of uniting them in spirit, and preparing them for Christ's Coming."

In July 1948, to everyone's surprise, Branham became ill and announced his retirement. He soon left the ministry, leaving many with doubts about whether he would ever return. His decision, understandably, presented Lindsay with a dilemma. James A. Hewett noted the situation left "Lindsay with many subscriptions for a magazine that had unexpectedly lost its chief reason for being." Lindsay, however, decided to broaden the magazine's focus. Instead of reporting exclusively on Branham's ministry, he began featuring the healing ministries of other revivalists.

A couple of years later, sometime after 1950, the name of the magazine became the name of an organization with a growing and robust list of healing revivalists who preached to thousands of people throughout the world.

References:
Branham, William. "How The Voice of Healing Received Its Name." The Voice of Healing, March 1950, Page 7.

Lindsay, Gordon, and William Branham. William Branham: A Man Sent from God. Jefferson, IN: William Branham, n.d.

Harrell, David Edwin. All Things are Possible: The Healing and Charismatic Revivals in Modern America. Bloomington and London: Indiana University Press, 1975.

Hewett, James Allen. "Voice of Healing." In Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements, edited by Stanley M. Burgess and Gary B. McGee. Waxahachie, TX: Regency Reference Library, 1988.


Note: My book, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer, can be purchased here with a 25% discount. Use the discount code: bosworth25.

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For more information:
Visit the F.F. Bosworth page here. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter. #ChristTheHealer